Celebrating Local Food Champions

Published on June 03, 2019

Ontario launches program recognizing local food champions in Mississauga, and across the province.

MISSISSAUGA — Today, Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP for Mississauga-Lakeshore, joined the Hon. Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, at Herridge's Farm Fresh Market in Mississauga to kick off Ontario's Local Food Week, from June 3-9, 2019, and to celebrate the new Local Food Champions program.

“Local Food Week is a great way to celebrate all the good things grown, produced and processed in Ontario,” said Minister Hardeman. “I want to encourage everyone to support our agriculture and food processing sector by choosing local and to enjoy all the amazing food grown and made right here in Ontario.”

“I'm thrilled to help kick off Local Food Week in Mississauga, which was once the strawberry capital of Canada,” said MPP Cuzzetto. “We're so fortunate to have an abundance of fresh and delicious local food available at Herridge's Farm Fresh Market, and at our local outdoor farmer's markets.”

“Our customers appreciate the fresh, healthy and local food choices we grow right here in Mississauga and source from Ontario farms,” said Lloyd Herridge, the third-generation owner of Herridge's Farm Fresh Market. “Supporting Ontario agriculture and providing the best in local foods is what makes our market so special.”

The Local Food Champion program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses like Herridge's Farm Fresh Market, that have demonstrated leadership in putting local food on the tables of the people of Ontario.

“The Local Food Champion program is a celebration of our hardworking farmers, food processors and entrepreneurs who are committed to ensuring more local food is available for everyone in their community,” said Minister Hardeman. “When we buy local food, we are making a choice to support Ontario, our communities and our economy.”

By celebrating Local Food Week and recognizing our Local Food Champions, the Ontario government is demonstrating strong support of the province’s farmers and food processors, who produce more than 200 food and beverage products to feed our local communities and the world.

Ontario’s food and beverage sector is an important part of our province as it employs one in eight Ontarians and contributes over $39 billion to the economy. Recognizing the great work of Local Food Champions connects more people with local food and opens more doors to opportunities to share in the bounty of food and beverages produced right here in Ontario.

Quick Facts

Ontario is celebrating local food and beverages during Local Food Week June 3-9 2019.

For more information on the Local Food Champion initiative, please contact the Office of Rudy Cuzzetto at (905) 274-8228.

For more than 40 years, Foodland Ontario has connected with families on how to recognize, prepare and enjoy locally grown foods.